If you are a step-parent, your stepchild will love you most if they feel that you understand and accept where they came from. You establish this by listening, and rather than trying to change them, help bridge the gap of emotion they may feel, but be unable to express. This article can help.
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Parenting a twelve-year-old is tough. They are emotional, dramatic, egocentric and strong in their beliefs. But, they are also watching, listening, and wanting a parent to parent them. We cannot blame our kids for being disrespectful if we allow it in our home. This article offers help and guidance on setting up ground rules in your home.
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I am thankful for the blessings God gives me that I never knew I wanted or needed. The greatest gifts in my life have been the ones I never wanted. Reflecting back, I found I needed those gifts only after receiving them. It helped me understand and be there for others in a way I would not have been before. This article includes 12 simple joys to help us remember the importance of the blessings we often take for granted on Thanksgiving Day.
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Part of running a family is making sure the people within the family understand their part in belonging. Kids feel more engaged when they know they are valued members. Giving them chores, holding them accountable for doing their chores, and being able to appreciate their completion of the chores builds their sense of mastery, thus giving them confidence, which ultimately leads to a higher self-esteem. This article offers helpful advice on setting up a family plan.
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The Internet has so much to offer our young girls, but left unsupervised and unengaged with the family, it can become another source of lowering girls’ self-esteem and worth. It’s a new world out there for parents as much as children. Get involved. Talk to your kids. Visit the sights they are visiting. Let them know you are there when they need you. The teen years are a relatively short amount of time, but decisions made during this time can change both you and your child’s life forever. It is easier to make healthy choices in life if you feel good about yourself. This article offers helpful advice to parents establishing boundaries with the Internet.
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“I’ve seen your act, know the facts, and I’m still in love with who I wish you were.”- Kate Voegele from the song “Wish you were here.” One of the things that make divorce so difficult is that couples remember who their partner was and anticipate they will stay that way even when they are […]
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We cannot go backwards in time, nor should we, but as we continue into the digital age there are some rituals we must keep sacred as a family. Family dinners are one of those. A family is only as strong as its leaders, so parents, it’s time to parent at the dinner table. Electronics can never teach your child family values as well as a parent. Suggestions in this article for keeping family meals electronics free.
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Being in the field of intimacy and sex, I am convinced that most of us have lost our sense of what true intimacy or sex appeal is. It’s so easy to label a magazine cover as having a sexy model, because we don’t have to think about what being sexy means to us or our children. Children are powerless, and they sense that powerlessness. If we as a society promote, give power to and value “sexy,” whether it’s sexy moms, teens, or tweens, the children are going to try to achieve it. Maybe it’s time we give kids a new idea of what being sexy really is?
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You may not have to hire your professionally trained hugger or cuddlier right now, but it would be wise to begin the practice with your partner. Most people appreciate being touched, hugged and talked to softly when they are stressed. With today’s technology, that is most likely most days for most of us. No other drug can restore calm as quickly and effectively as a warm hug. This article explains the health benefits of hugging. Don’t forget to hug your kids too, no matter how old or big they are.
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